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Texas High School Football Rules (UIL)

Texas plays NCAA rules — with UIL state exceptions on top. These are the rules that actually differ.

Why this matters

Texas is unusual: its high schools play football under the NCAA rulebook rather than the NFHS book most states use — and then the UIL modifies it with state exceptions. So the plain NCAA answer to a rules question can be the wrong answer for a Friday night game in Texas.

Explainers

Can You Wear White Socks in Texas High School Football? (Yes — Here's the Rule)
Yes. NCAA 1-4-4-h requires matching socks, but a UIL exception lets any player wear white sweat socks in a Texas high school game. The rule text, both books.
Does Texas High School Football Use NCAA Rules? (Yes — With 60 UIL Exceptions)
Yes — Texas is the only state that plays high school football under NCAA rules, modified by the annual UIL exceptions. Here's the full NCAA-vs-UIL difference list.
How Long Are Texas High School Football Quarters? 12 Minutes — Here's Why
Texas high school football quarters are 12 minutes — 48 minutes total, not the NCAA's 60. Plus UIL halftime limits and the Texas clock rules that differ.
Kicking Rules in Texas High School Football: Kickoffs, Tees, Goal Posts, and Roughing the Kicker
Texas high school football kicks under NCAA rules: kickoffs from the 35-yard line, one-inch tees on free kicks only, 18'6" goal posts, and NCAA 9-1-16 roughing-
Sideline Technology in Texas High School Football: Wristbands, Tablets, Headsets, Drones — What UIL Actually Allows
One-way coach-to-player wearables are legal in Texas high school football, but tablets stay in the booth and locker room — not the sideline. NCAA rules vs. the
Targeting and Ejections in Texas High School Football: When a Player Is Disqualified, and Does He Miss the Next Game
Texas plays NCAA targeting rules (9-1-3, 9-1-4). A UIL exception lets a disqualified player stay in the team area; next-game suspension is UIL/district policy.
Texas High School Football Overtime: How the Tiebreaker Works Under UIL Rules
Texas high school football overtime uses the NCAA tiebreaker: alternating possessions from the 25, mandatory two-point tries from the second OT, two-point shoot
UIL Exceptions to the NCAA Football Rules, in Plain English (2026-27)
Texas high school football plays NCAA rules as modified by annual UIL exceptions. A plain-English 2026-27 guide: field, uniforms, jersey numbers, technology, th

Ask about a specific play

Booth Challenge rules Texas high school football as its own ruleset — it applies the UIL exception and names it, rather than giving you the college answer. Choose Football → NFHS (High School), then set the state to Texas.

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Booth Challenge is an independent tool. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the University Interscholastic League (UIL), the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO), the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), or the NCAA. The official published rulebooks and the current-year UIL exceptions are the only authority — verify against them.